10 Best Herbal Essential Oils For Nausea
Herbal essential oils have been traditionally used to alleviate nausea due to their calming and soothing properties.
Oils such as peppermint, ginger, and lavender are commonly recommended for their ability to ease digestive discomfort and reduce feelings of queasiness. These essential oils can be used through inhalation, topical application, or diffusion to provide relief, depending on the individual's preference and the severity of the nausea. Scientific studies suggest that certain compounds in these oils may interact with the body's nervous system to help regulate gastrointestinal function.
However, it is important to use these oils safely, as they can be potent and may cause adverse reactions if not diluted properly or used in excess.
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Table of Contents
1. Piper nigrum
Piper nigrum, commonly known as black pepper, contains essential oils that have been traditionally used for their digestive benefits.
The essential oils derived from black pepper, such as those containing beta-caryophyllene and limonene, are believed to help alleviate nausea by stimulating digestive enzymes and reducing gastrointestinal discomfort. These oils may also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that support overall digestive health. When used aromatically or in diluted form, piper nigrum essential oils can provide a natural remedy for mild nausea symptoms.
However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before using essential oils, especially for individuals with underlying health conditions or during pregnancy.
2. Zingiber officinale
Zingiber officinale, commonly known as ginger, is widely recognized for its therapeutic properties, including its effectiveness in alleviating nausea.
The essential oils derived from ginger contain bioactive compounds such as gingerol and shogaol, which have been shown to possess antiemetic properties. These oils can be used in aromatherapy or applied topically to help reduce symptoms of nausea, particularly in cases of motion sickness or morning sickness. Studies suggest that the aromatic compounds in ginger essential oil may interact with the central nervous system to ease gastrointestinal discomfort.
As a natural remedy, ginger essential oil offers a safe and effective alternative for managing nausea without the side effects often associated with pharmaceutical treatments.
3. Mentha piperita
Mentha piperita, commonly known as peppermint, is a popular herb used in the production of essential oils that are widely recognized for their ability to alleviate nausea.
The essential oil derived from peppermint contains active compounds such as menthol and menthone, which have soothing and calming effects on the digestive system. When used in aromatherapy, inhaling peppermint essential oil can help reduce the sensation of nausea by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system and promoting digestion. It is often recommended for use during motion sickness, morning sickness, or after meals to ease discomfort.
However, it is important to dilute the essential oil properly before use and consult with a healthcare professional, especially for individuals with sensitive skin or underlying health conditions.
4. Cinnamomum verum
Cinnamomum verum, commonly known as true cinnamon, contains essential oils that have been traditionally used to alleviate nausea.
The primary active compounds in these oils, such as cinnamaldehyde and eugenol, possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that may help soothe the digestive system. When used in aromatherapy or as a topical application, cinnamon essential oil can help reduce feelings of nausea by calming the nervous system and improving digestion. However, it is important to dilute the oil properly before use to avoid skin irritation.
While some studies suggest its potential benefits, more research is needed to fully understand its efficacy for nausea relief.
5. Lavandula angustifolia
Lavandula angustifolia, commonly known as English lavender, is widely recognized for its calming properties and has been traditionally used to alleviate symptoms of nausea.
The essential oil derived from this plant contains compounds such as linalool and linalyl acetate, which are known for their antiemetic effects. Studies suggest that inhaling lavender essential oil may help reduce feelings of sickness by soothing the central nervous system. It is often used in aromatherapy to provide relief from motion sickness, morning sickness, and post-operative nausea.
Due to its mild and pleasant aroma, lavender essential oil is a popular and safe option for natural nausea relief.
6. Rosmarinus officinalis
Rosmarinus officinalis, commonly known as rosemary, produces an essential oil that has been traditionally used for its aromatic and therapeutic properties.
The essential oil of rosemary contains compounds such as cineole and camphor, which are believed to aid in alleviating nausea by stimulating digestion and improving circulation. When used in aromatherapy, the scent of rosemary essential oil can help reduce feelings of queasiness and promote a sense of calm. It is often diluted with a carrier oil and applied topically or inhaled to provide relief from motion sickness or morning sickness.
However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before using rosemary essential oil, especially during pregnancy or for individuals with certain medical conditions.
7. Vitex agnus-castus
Vitex agnus-castus, also known as chaste tree, is traditionally used in herbal medicine for its potential calming and hormonal balancing properties.
While it is more commonly used in herbal teas and tinctures, its essential oil form is also being explored for its therapeutic benefits, including its possible effects on nausea. The essential oil of vitex contains compounds such as linalool and lavandulol, which are known for their antiemetic and soothing properties. Some studies suggest that the oil may help alleviate nausea by influencing the nervous system and reducing gastrointestinal discomfort.
However, more clinical research is needed to fully understand its efficacy and safety when used for nausea relief.
8. Cymbopogon citratus
Cymbopogon citratus, commonly known as lemongrass, is a widely used herb whose essential oil has been studied for its potential to alleviate nausea.
The essential oil contains compounds such as citral and geraniol, which are believed to have calming and anti-emetic properties. Research suggests that inhaling or applying lemongrass essential oil may help reduce feelings of nausea, particularly in cases of motion sickness or morning sickness. It is often used in aromatherapy and can be diluted with a carrier oil for topical application or diffused in the air.
Due to its pleasant aroma and potential therapeutic benefits, lemongrass essential oil is a popular natural remedy for managing nausea.
9. Foeniculum vulgare
Foeniculum vulgare, commonly known as fennel, is widely used in herbal medicine for its essential oils, which are known to help alleviate symptoms of nausea.
The essential oil of fennel contains compounds such as anethol and fenchone, which have carminative and antispasmodic properties that can soothe the digestive system. It is often used in aromatherapy or as a digestive aid to relieve bloating, gas, and motion sickness-related nausea. Studies suggest that inhaling fennel essential oil or applying it topically may help reduce feelings of nausea and improve digestion.
Due to its gentle nature, fennel essential oil is considered a safe and effective natural remedy for various forms of nausea when used appropriately.
10. Cuminum cyminum
Cuminum cyminum, commonly known as cumin, is a popular herb used in aromatherapy for its essential oils, which are known to help alleviate nausea.
The essential oil of cumin contains compounds like limonene and terpinene that have soothing and anti-emetic properties. When inhaled or used in diffusers, cumin essential oil can help reduce feelings of queasiness and promote a sense of calm. It is often recommended for use during motion sickness, morning sickness, or after eating heavy meals.
However, it is important to dilute the oil properly before use and consult with a healthcare professional, especially for pregnant individuals or those with existing health conditions.